Finding a Modest, Fabuous Gown for under $800

My first thought was to have it made, but after Mina's Tailor quoted me at $3,000-$4,000, I felt a little defeated.

On Friday, I went to Montclair Bridal on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. It was a great little dress shop and my first go at trying on wedding dresses. The first dress I tried on was the one I loved. The Ian Stuart Inez.


But, oh, like 80% of all the beautifull dresses out there, it is strapless. I need a dress with sleeves. Because I'm getting married in the gorgeous Los Angeles Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I will be wearing undergarments that cover my shoulders. Popular wedding dress sites for LDS brides include Latter-day Bride, Totally Modest and Beautifully Modest. But I just can't see myself in any of those. They are fashioned after several popular strapless gowns. They just add sleeves to create either a square or round neckline. To me, the neckline is VERY important as several photos are taken up close. The neckline frames your face, which has the most important accessory you wear all day -- your smile!

So... the challenge remains to find a modest gown, that frames my face beautifully. I will most likely end up buying one that is not to the LDS modesty standards, and then modify it to create the perfect dress. Another dress I love is this Alfred Angelo. And the price is right.